World’s highest controlled freefall attraction in the world, SkyJump Las Vegas will open April 2010 at the Stratosphere Las Vegas Hotel & Casino; for a limited time Amtrak passengers can book a winter getaway for up to 20 percent off of one-way fares on every Long Distance train route; and JetBlue Airways has expanded service at San Francisco International Airport by adding new flights to Boston, Long Beach, and New York.

What is being called the world's highest controlled freefall attraction in the world, SkyJump Las Vegas will open April 2010 at the Stratosphere Las Vegas Hotel & Casino.

Riders of the new attraction will experience thrills similar to skydiving and base jumping - with the added benefit of doing it over the Las Vegas Strip - day or night, the resort said.

"We're incredibly excited to bring SkyJump Las Vegas to the Stratosphere," said Frank Riolo, CEO of American Casino & Entertainment Properties. "This will not only be North America's only skyjump, but also the highest skyjump in the world."

Riders of SkyJump Las Vegas first will be given a short safety lesson and then they will be suited up in Stratosphere's custom "jump suits."

The rider is then connected to a patented high-speed "descender" machine and led to the edge of a small platform where they will leap out and descend the 100-plus story height of Stratosphere at a scream-inducing speed of up to 40 mph - all while enjoying breathtaking views of the world famous Las Vegas Strip.

Guide wires keep riders from straying off course in what is an incredibly safe, yet audacious adventure. Just prior to reaching the rapidly approaching ground, the machine slows the rider down, bringing them to a controlled and safe landing.

"While the entire experience - from preparation to landing - takes just 30 minutes, the thrill will last a lifetime," Riolo continued. "Stratosphere has made a commitment to reinvesting in our property at all levels and this will be an outstanding addition for everyone - whether you're making the leap yourself or watching those daring enough to do it."

SkyJump Las Vegas will join three thrill rides already atop the tower: Big Shot, X-Scream and Insanity. Ticket prices for the new ride were not announced.

The Stratosphere Hotel & Casino is located at 2000 Las Vegas Boulevard South. For more information, call (800) 99-TOWER (998-6937) or visit www.stratospherehotel.com.

Save up to 20 Percent During Amtrak's Long Distance Routes Sale

Now through Jan. 25, Amtrak passengers can book a winter getaway for up to 20 percent off of one-way fares on every Long Distance train route for travel between January 19 and March 31, 2010.

Seats and times are limited. To take advantage of these low one-way fares, reservations are required a minimum of three days in advance before traveling. Tickets are non-refundable and some blackout dates apply. The discounted fare is only valid on coach seats and cannot be used on accommodation upgrades.

Last fiscal year (FY 2009), Amtrak carried 27.2 million passengers, making it the second-best year in the company's history. With 21,000 route miles in 46 states, the District of Columbia and three Canadian provinces, Amtrak operates more than 300 trains each day - at speeds up to 150 mph - to more than 500 destinations.

For more information on all low fares offered during the January Sale, visit www.Amtrak.com and click on Winter Sale, or call (800) USA RAIL.

JetBlue Expands Daily Flights at San Francisco

JetBlue Airways has expanded service at San Francisco International Airport by adding new flights to Boston, Long Beach, and New York.

Together with its recently added nonstop service to Fort Lauderdale, and its daily service to Austin, Texas, JetBlue now offers travelers 11 convenient daily departures from SFO.

JetBlue has added two daily nonstop flights from SFO to its West Coast focus city, Los Angeles, at Long Beach Airport (for a total of five daily flights); a second daily nonstop flight to its focus city at Boston's Logan International Airport; and a second daily nonstop flight to the airline's acclaimed home at New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport Terminal 5.

In other Bay Area route changes, JetBlue has begun a fourth daily nonstop flight between Oakland and Long Beach, giving travelers more choice between L.A. and both the East Bay and the Peninsula. The airline also plans to begin a new route connecting San Jose with Boston - the only nonstop service between Silicon Valley and New England - effective May 13, 2010.

"JetBlue is proud to be expanding on success in San Francisco by expanding our schedule with more flights to Boston, L.A. and New York," said Scott Laurence, JetBlue's vice president of network planning. "Customers already prefer JetBlue for our spacious legroom, our in-flight entertainment options, and our unlimited free snacks and drinks - and today we're happy to provide even more flight options for them to experience our award-winning service."